Laboratory Tests

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Basics

• Summary
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• Latest News

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• Related Issues
• Specifics

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• Videos and Tutorials

Research

• Statistics and Research
• Journal Articles

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Summary

Laboratory tests check a sample of your blood, urine, or body tissues. A technician or your doctor analyzes the test samples to see if your results fall within the normal range. The tests use a range because what is normal differs from person to person. Many factors affect test results. These include

• Your sex, age and race
• What you eat and drink
• Medicines you take
• How well you followed pre-test instructions

Your doctor may also compare your results to results from previous tests. Laboratory tests are often part of a routine checkup to look for changes in your health. They also help doctors diagnose medical conditions, plan or evaluate treatments, and monitor diseases.

Start Here

• Lab Test Information (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
• Laboratory Tests (Food and Drug Administration)
• Understanding Laboratory Tests (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
• Understanding Your Tests (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)

Latest News

• Drone Sets New Record for Transporting Blood Samples (09/20/2017, HealthDay)
• Can a Blood Test Detect a Range of Cancers Earlier? (08/16/2017, HealthDay)

Related Issues

• Collecting Samples for Testing (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• Deciphering Your Lab Report (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• Helping You Identify Quality Laboratory Services (Joint Commission) - PDF
• How Reliable Is Laboratory Testing? (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• How You Can Get the Best Results with Home Use Tests (Food and Drug Administration)
• Putting New Laboratory Tests Into Practice (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• Reference Ranges & What They Mean (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• Test Preparation: Your Role (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• Tips on Blood Testing (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• What Do Blood Tests Show? (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
• Where Lab Tests Are Performed (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• With Home Testing, Consumers Take Charge of Their Health (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)

Specifics

• A1C: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
• Blood Count Tests: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
• Blood Culture Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• Chloride Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• Creatinine: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
• Electrolytes Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• Home Use Tests (Food and Drug Administration)
• Liver Function Tests: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
• Metabolic Panel: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
• Potassium Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• Sodium Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
• Stool Tests (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
• Urinalysis: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
• Venous Sampling (American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
• World of Forensic Laboratory Testing (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)

Videos and Tutorials

• Getting a Urine Test (For Kids) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish

Statistics and Research

• Biosensors and Your Health: What's Your Body Trying to Tell You? (National Institutes of Health) Also in Spanish

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

• Article: Diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome: 'extra-criteria' manifestations and technical advances.
• Article: Reducing Uncertainty for Acute Febrile Illness in Resource-Limited Settings: The...
• Article: Sexually transmitted infections: challenges ahead.
• Laboratory Tests -- see more articles

Reference Desk

• Glossary (Food and Drug Administration)
• Index of Glossary Terms (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)

Find an Expert

• Accredited Laboratory Directory (College of American Pathologists)

Children

• Basic Blood Tests (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)
• Blood Culture (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)
• Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)

Seniors

• Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)